When should I move to a retirement community?
As you age you may start thinking about your future living situation – should you move into a retirement community?
Many older adults like the idea of a continuing care retirement community like Newton Presbyterian Manor. They can keep living independently and if their needs change, they can get assistance and health care services without having to relocate to another community.
When is the best time to move?
A popular question among those considering a move is “When is the best time to make the move?” There is no perfect answer to this question because everyone’s situation is different. But waiting too long can mean missing out on some of the reasons people are attracted to these communities in the first place.
If you feel that a continuing care retirement community is right for you, here are five reasons why you may want to consider moving sooner rather than later:
1. Involvement in the community
One of the main benefits of living in a community is easy access to many services, amenities, and activities. These perks could include fine dining, fitness centers, educational programs like Newton Presbyterian Manor’s “Just Ask” series, fun excursions, volunteer opportunities and more. Moving earlier allows residents to fully enjoy and benefit from these "extra-curricular" activities.
2. Wellness benefits
Continuing care communities want residents to stay healthy and live independently as long as possible. They offer programs that include access to qualified fitness professionals, including strength exercises and yoga classes for mobility and flexibility. They also offer special diet meal plans ensuring you get nutritious meals every day.
Wellness also means more than physical health, emphasizing a “whole person” concept that includes emotional, intellectual, and spiritual experiences. Newton Presbyterian Manor offers religious services regularly, from bible study to prayer meetings. It also offers opportunities for live entertainment, game nights and trivia.
The community also offers hair salon with a professional stylist which helps residents feel their best.
3. Healthy relationships
Social engagement is also part of wellness. Residents often say that one of the best things about their community is their friendships with other residents. Those who wait too long to make the move may not have the time to develop meaningful relationships. Friends allow us to stay active longer and offer emotional support during times of grief or stress.
4. Easier Transition
Moving gets more difficult with time. If you’re in good health and able-bodied you can better handle the transition, often even embracing this new chapter in life. Those who have serious health challenges have a tougher time making the transition. They may even suffer from relocation stress syndrome (RSS), which can lead to other health problems.
5. Peace of mind…sooner
A move to a continuing care retirement community can ease the stress of planning for the future. Residents who move into independent living can continue enjoy life while knowing their future needs are covered - whether that’s a move to assisted living when they need a little support, short-term rehab, or long-term care.
So, when is the best time to move? There’s no right or wrong answer, but if you’ve already decided that living in a community is right for you, there’s no reason to wait. It may be best to make the move while you’re young and healthy enough to enjoy the benefits.
If you’re unsure about what you need, our team members at Newton Presbyterian Manor are here to guide you towards the right decision. Contact us at 316-283-5400 with your questions or schedule a tour online.
